In theaters now

The top of the world awaits

By Paul Hall

The top of the world — many have felt they were there in a metaphorical way, but to physically touch the highest point on Earth is a much deeper spiritual experience. This is Everest. A mountain scaled by few, summited by even fewer and as unpredictable as anything you can imagine. The new film Everest takes viewers to the peak and the valleys while smacking you in the face with all the fury of this majestic wonder of the world.

For some, climbing a mountain seems like an impossibility, to others a dream, and to Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) a job. Hall runs Adventure Consultants, one of many groups taking paying clients up the mountain that so many have dreamed to summit. He has never lost a climber, and puts the safety of his clients first even at the expense of potentially not making it to the top.

In 1996, the number of professional companies taking clients up the mountain had grown to nearly unsustainable numbers. Base camp resembled a small city that was packed full of climbers from all over the world who simply wanted to reach the top. Resources and timing reached a breaking point on the mountain.

Rob attempted to unify the teams on the mountain, but everyone was shooting to approach the summit on May 10 and no one wanted to give from that date. He decided to join forces with Scott Fischer (Jake Gyllenhaal), who led the Mountain Madness team. Together they would do their best to ensure the safety of both teams to the top of Everest.

While May 10 started with a great climb up the mountain, the unpredictability of weather was about to smash directly into these men and women. When a storm assaults the mountain, it will take incredible courage and the will to survive to make it down. But even this may not be enough for these teams.

Everest is a rare film that brings together some of the most mind-blowing visuals and heart-pounding action coupled with solid acting and a first-rate story. It’s the perfect film to exploit all of the wonders of the IMAX experience — the 3-D look will leave you spinning while the sound envelopes the theater.

Clarke’s portrayal of Hall takes you on his emotional roller coaster of running a company, having a daughter on the way and trying to keep his clients safe. Gyllenhaal brings Fischer to life as a fun-loving thrill seeker who just happens to be really good at climbing. Couple those two with passionately acted supporting roles for Josh Brolin, Emily Watson, Keira Knightley, John Hawkes and so many others and you have a winning combination of effects and acting. So much talent together and each gets an adequate amount of screen time, though much of it under layers of clothing and behind masks and snow cover.

The journey to Everest is long and challenges lie in wait with every additional step. Many climbers say they do it because it is there. It is an experience that holds a different meaning for every individual. If you want just a piece of that experience, make the hike to the theater and see this one in IMAX 3D where available. It will be worth the journey when you reach the summit. Feel the moment, live the moment, enjoy the moment, but never stop dreaming. The top of the world awaits. Everest Rated: PG-13 Stars: Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal Director: Baltasar Kormákur Grade: B+